Box closure system, device and method with means to be attached and integrated into boxes

ABSTRACT

Providing a box closure system, device and method for closing of boxes preferably cardboard boxes having different sizes such as typical ready to eat cereal boxes and other boxes. The device preferably having a longitudinal structure A and B. Said structure, system can have a gripping section that can press the box and liner that can sit inside the box between said structure. Said structure, system constructed and arranged so it can be installed onto a box or implemented with the box. System whereby a triangular box opening can be created in the top of the box when the box is opened and a pouring mouth can be created. Furthermore providing a closure system and method whereby said invention is integrated into the boxes themselves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to box and containers comprisinga liner and more specifically it relates to a box closure system forproviding a construction, system and method that allows the user toeasily open and close a box with bag inside whereby the system can bedetachable installed or integrated into the box/container and can alsoseal of the bag/liner that can sit inside a box. Providing a system,construction and method to close of boxes of different sizes with orwithout a bag inside such as typical ready to eat cereal or other boxesof different sizes. Allowing the user to close of a box with or withouta bag inside so he can keep and preserve the content in the originalpackage.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It can be appreciated that box closure devices like lids, clips,containers and the likes have been in use for years. The main problemwith them is that they all have their limitations and drawbacks such asnot fully user friendly and fun to use, production cost, size. The mainproblem with boxes and their configuration is that once the box andbag/liner containing the content is opened, it is very laborious andalmost impossible to adequately close them of again in a fun and userfriendly manner. They all have a number of drawbacks and finally arelaborious and not fully user friendly. A problem with conventional boxeswhen using an other container is that you first have to pour the contentfrom the original package into a container, this leaves you with anempty box and liner.

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to whichthey address, they are not as suitable for providing a special devicethat allows the user to close of boxes having a liner inside ofdifferent sizes such as cereal—and other boxes. Allowing the user toclose of a box with a bag inside so he can keep and preserve the contentin the original package in a fun and user friendly manner. Providing abox closure system and method that can easily be used,installed/integrated and/or permanently or detachably fastened ontoboxes of various different sizes. Providing a box closure system thatcan move the air out of a liner that sit inside a box.

The main problem with conventional box and container sealing devicesare: cardboard boxes with a bag/liner inside containing a content arevery unpractical to open and close. Once the box and bag containing thecontent is opened, it is very laborious to adequately close them off.When using a container, the content of the original bag has to be pouredinto a container, this leaves you with an empty box that you now have tothrow away.

Furthermore containers don't display the name and brand name of theproduct. And the best possible way to preserve your product such ascereals is in the original liner and accompanied box. In these respectsthe box closure system according to the present invention substantiallyprovides a box closure system, device and method primarily developed forthe purpose of providing a small compact system that can be distributedtogether with the boxes or integrated into the boxes themselves andwhereby the user can easily use his box so that he can quickly open,close and seal of the box and bag/liner.

Allowing the user to easily close off a box with bag inside so he cankeep and preserve the content in the original package.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofbox and container closures now present in the prior art such as lids,clips the present invention according to the various embodimentsdescribed below provides a new system, construction and method whereinthe same can be utilized for providing a device that allows the user toclose of boxes of different sizes having a liner inside and easily openand close said box, whereby said system can be installed or integratedwith the various boxes.

The general purpose of the present invention which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new kind of box closuresystem, device and method that has many novel features that result in anew device, system and method.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a formationhaving a structure preferably running parallel with the top longitudinalconfiguration of the boxes for pressing the two sides of the box andbag/liner together.

Bringing them together so that the opening of the box and the liner inthe box can be closed in a user friendly and fun manner whereby the sortsides of the box can be bended. Said two formations can comprise achannel section in the direction of the longitudinal configuration sosaid structure can firmly be attached and snapped onto the sides of aplurality of boxes having different sizes. The sides of the box can beurged and snapped between said channel sections. System andformation/structure that also can rather be integrated into the boxesthemselves directly. A means for connecting said formation/structure,preferably by means of an interconnected closure means.

Additionally a tubing construction could be incorporated into thesystem/structure that can run inside the liner for guiding the excessair out of the liner. This tube construction preferably comprising avalve so that the air inside the liner can be pulled out but outside aircan't get in. Another object of the invention is to provide a devicethat is small and rather inexpensive to produce so it could easily bedistributed together with and/or along the boxes and also even fitinside a box and therefore could if wanted be used as a premium iteminside or along the boxes.

There has thus been outlined rather broadly the more important featuresof the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter. In this respect beforeexplaining the invention in detail, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention installed onto abox

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the present invention installedonto a box.

FIG. 3 is a back side view of the present invention installed onto thebox.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the present invention installed ontothe box with all the main mechanical components visible such as tube 10running inside liner 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the rectangular box configuration when the boxis in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention on the box when the boxwith the invention installed on it are closed and the closure system ofboth pieces A and B are locked.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of the present invention on thebox when the box with the invention on it are closed and the closuresystem of both pieces A and B are locked.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the rectangular box configuration when bothpieces A and B are brought together and the box is in a closed positionwhereby the top sides of the box short sides d and long sides c arebended inwardly to deform in four shorter sides d1, and two long sidesc1. Alternatively the two short sides d can also be bended outwards intofour sides when both pieces A and B are closed and pressure is buildonto the thin upper sides of the typical rectangular cardboard boxes.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional front view of the present inventioninstalled onto the box.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the present invention installed onto the box inopen position with liner 3 and tube 10 running inside said liner.

FIG. 11 shows a top perspective assembled view of the present inventionin a second embodiment whereby the parts rotate at one short side.

FIG. 12 shows a top disassembled perspective view of the presentinvention in the second embodiment whereby the pin and hingeconstructions on the short sides of both parts A and B are shown.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of the present invention in the secondembodiment installed onto the box 1 having a liner 3 inside and with allthe folding leads and lines of the box with the poring triangle/mouth250 that is created at the front of the box.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show perspective views of the present invention in thesecond embodiment installed onto the box 1 and in an open position. InFIG. 14 the short box leads are pushed inwardly to enable parts A and Bto be closed together with liner 3 and box 1 intermediate said parts. InFIG. 15 the short front box leads are pushed outwardly to create thetriangular handy poring mouth 250.

FIG. 16 is a Cross sectional side view of the present invention in athird and improved embodiment installed on the box when the box with theinvention on it are closed and the closure system 6 and 5 of both piecesA and B are interlocked. The protrusions 22 and 24 forming the channelsection 25 are now angled and aligned with the two angled/slanted longbox sides C1

FIG. 17 shows a side view of the present invention as explained in thethird embodiment installed onto the box with the slanted/angled sides.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the present invention as explainedin the third embodiment installed onto a box and in an open position.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective back view of the present invention accordingto the third embodiment.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show the invention according to the third embodiment ina side and perspective view with modeled and integrated child friendlyfeatures such as a molded creature shape, eyes, nose and mouth.

FIG. 22 shows a top view of the present invention according to thefourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 shows a bottom view of the present invention according to thefourth embodiment.

FIG. 24 shows an exploded bottom view of the present invention accordingto the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 25 shows a front side view of the present invention according tothe fourth embodiment.

FIG. 26 shows a back side view of the present invention according to thefourth embodiment.

FIG. 27 shows a cross sectional view of the present invention accordingto the fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, thefollowing discussion begins with a description of the common components.(It is important to note and a very important part of the invention thatany such components/formations and methods can also be directely fullyintegrated into the respective boxes themselves)

The device comprising two main pieces A and B, both pieces A and Bpreferably having a rectangular longitudinal member 2, preferablycomprising a channel section 25 created by protrusions 22 and 24 (SeeFIG. 4) running parallel with the longitudinal direction of the member 2and protruding downwardly from the bottom surface of said member. Thisfor installing pieces A and B onto the longitudinal sides of the boxes,snapping and detachably fixing the sides of the boxes between saidprotrusions 22 and 24. The short end sections of said members can beleft open or be capped 21 and can also have a channel sections forgripping the short sides of the boxes. (See FIGS. 2 and 5) at least onegripping protrusion 7 depending inwardly from member 2, preferably alsorunning parallel with the longitudinal configuration of said member 2for firmly pressing the sides of the liner/bag between those grippingsections 7 of pieces A and B. (See FIGS. 1-6) A tubing construction 10preferably is pivotally attached onto one longitudinal member of atleast one piece A or B and can preferably run trough A foramen 9 (SeeFIG. 6) in the longitudinal grip protrusion/sections 7 for guiding saidtubing construction 10 trough the device inside the liner. When thedevice both pieces A and B is closed, the liner is pressed betweensections 7 and tubing construction 10 thereby allowing the tube to runinside the liner and when the device is closed is fully pressing thesides of the liner closed so that when the air is pulled outside theliner trough the tubing 10, a vacuum in the liner can be achieved. Avalve 11 inside or on top of the tube can be implemented so that whenthe air is pulled out of the liner that sits inside the box, it can'tget in again once the air has been removed. This can be done by a manualor electrical or other vacuum pump. A detachable closure means forclosing both pieces A and B firmly together, preferably by means of aninterconnecting snapping construction 5 and 6. In a second embodimentSee FIGS. 11-15 a hinge means 201 and 202 is constructed and arranged onthe back of both parts A and B. When said parts A and B are installedonto the long top box sides and said hinge constructions 201 and 202 arebrought together a locking pin 200 can be inserted and thereby pivotallyconstrain said parts A and B.

In this second embodiment the snapper fit/click construction can beconstructed and arrange onto the short front sides 21 of parts A and B.When the box 1 with the parts A and B installed on said box 1 is openeda triangular top box configuration is created and when the front shortbox top leads d1 and d2 are pulled somewhat outward (See FIG. 15) a veryimportant and convenient triangular pouring mouth 250 is created.

In a third and again improved embodiment of the invention See FIGS.16-21 The hinge constructions 201, 202 and 200 are arranged andconstructed at a different angle in relation to the other constructionand in particular to protrusions 22 and 24. This so that the sides 22and 24 can sit at an angle and better align with the angled, slantedsides C1 of the box when the device is closed, thereby also making itmuch easier and more user friendly to close, press the snap fitengagements 6 and 5 together. This because the upper section of the longcardboard sides don't have to be pulled together parallel See FIG. 7like it is the case in the previous first and second embodiment butrather follow the natural angled shape of the long cardboard box sidesC1 when the box is closed See FIG. 16. The angle between the hingeconstruction and the other body and in particular protrusions 22 and 24creating the channel 25 that grip over the box sides preferably havingan angle between 5° and 50° Degrees. Children friendly figures/creaturessuch as animals, cartoon and television figures see protrusion-formation40 and features 42, 44, 46 like eyes, mouth, nose, feet etc can bemodeled and or printed and integrated in the device as seen in anexample in FIGS. 20 and 21. This is also a very important feature andspecific subject matter of the invention.

The invention preferably can be manufactured out a polymer, elastomer orcombination thereof or any other materials such as but not limited toaluminum, iron. The precise distribution of functionality preferably ismade according to known engineering tradeoffs, with reference to thespecific embodiment of the invention, as will be understood by thoseskilled in the art.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

The user opens the box 1 and the bag 3 containing the content inside thebox. The user folds the flaps of the box towards the inside or outsideof the box 1. The short cardboard flaps can be separated by cutting themof with a scissor or other cutting tool or teared so that said shortupper box sides are thinner and therefor easier to bend. The user nowplaces the two structures A and B over the longest top sides of the box,by pressing them with their channel sections 25 created by protrusions22 and 24 over said box sides making sure that the bag/liner 3 sitsintermediate the gripping members 7 of both pieces A and B, and that thetube 10 is guided inside the liner. This is facilitated due to the pivotting function of said tube 10 onto at least one of structures A and B.Now both structures A and B are installed onto the upper longitudinalsides of the box and can be closed by compressing them inwardly towardseach other and interlocking them together with the snappers. Thelongitudinal upper sides c of the box will now bends inwardly c1 (SeeFIG. 8 illustration of upper box configuration when presses inwardly).The short sides d of the box will bend in or outwardly into two sectionsd1. This bending can be done by pressing the two parts A and B togetherand pushing the middle of the short box sides 100 somewhat in oroutwards, or by first making a folding line into the two short boxsides. This can be achieved by making a vertical incision 100 with ascissor or knife of approximately 20-40 mm in the approximate middle ofthe two short box sides (See FIGS. 6-8 dotted line 100) This line canalso be made with the jaws function of the invention when the device isassembled with pin 200 inserted so that the device can be used as aclamping means for making a line. For instance by integrating aprotrusion depending from section 7 where the two pieces A and B can beplaced over the short sides of the box, then presses together with thecardboard between said two parts A and B and then pulled upward to makea vertical line 100. Alternatively a little device can be attached withthe product for making said folding lines, whereby a protrusion iscarving said folding line in the cardboard box. However it is importantto highlight that it is not necessarily needed to make any folding linesince when the two parts A and B are brought together by forcing somepressure on them the short sides naturally will also just automaticallybend.

The upper side of the liner is now being pressed and sealed between thetwo gripping members 7 with tubing structure 10 also pressed betweensaid gripping/sealing members 7 and with the bag/liner 3 pressed aroundtube 10. The bag is now firmly sealed of from the outside airenvironment and the box is closed. The upper box configuration nowpreferably look like a closed purse. A manual, electrical or any othervacuum pump device can now be installed onto tube 10 and or valve 11 tostart pumping out the excess air in the liner, thus creating a vacuum inthe liner. When the user wants to open his box and bag again he simplyunleashes the snapper closures 5 and 6 and pulls both longitudinalpieces A and B back outwards. He can now start pouring and accessing thecontent that sits in the liner such as a typical ready to eat cereal orother food product.

In a second embodiment of the device See FIGS. 11-15 the box is openedand the box flaps/leads are folded inwards, then Parts A and B areinstalled by pressing them over the longitudinal sides of the box,thereby snapping them onto said long box sides. Now preferably but notnecessarily a folding line 100 is made in the approximate middle of bothshort upper sides. Next the liner 3 is opened and the back of parts Aand B having the hinge engagements 201 and 202 are pressed and broughttogether in place so that locking pin 200 can be inserted so said partsA and B are pivotally constrained, whereby the back short box sides drunning into the two upper leads d1 and d2 are directed and foldedinwardly. The invention in the second embodiment is now installed. Toclose, the front section with the snapper means on parts A and B areclosed by clicking them together. To open the box and liner, snapper 6is released and very important the front short top box leads d1 and d2can be pushed outwards so that a convenient poring mouth 250 is createdSee FIGS. 14-15.

This is a very important method and subject matter of this specificinvention. In a third and yet improved embodiment of the device SeeFIGS. 16-21.

The hinge construction is arranged and constructed to have a differentangle in relation to the other body so that the sides 22 and 24 can sitmore aligned with the long sides of the box when closed. A childfriendly figure is modeled and integrated in the device.

In a fourth embodiment of the device See FIGS. 25-30. The shape of thedevice is improved as it has a somewhat bended form along itslongitudinal sides 2 and griping members 7 improving the strength of theproduct as well as the camping power. Furthermore little protrusions 400for creating a tighter clamping fit onto the boxes are constructedalongside channel 25.

Very important is that the invention rather than being a separate devicecan certainly also be applied, constructed and arranged directly intothe boxes themselves in any form, material and method and thus beingimplemented directly with the box construction itself.

Additional Embodiments

-   -   Fastener means 5 and 6 can be installed and positioned onto both        the short sides also. The locking means for when the box is        closed by bringing the front or back or both front and back of        the two longitudinal sides together can also be integrated both        into the short box sides as well as into the long box sides of        the box or in both sides of the boxes;    -   A elastomer section can be implemented anywhere in onto the        device, for instance onto the gripping members 7 as to create a        better sealing result, or more ergonomic soft touch user        experience;    -   A vacuum pump separately from the invention can be used but        certainly also a more permanently build in pump mechanism can        also be constructed and arranged onto/into the invention;    -   The hinge construction can also be a living hinge whereby parts        A and B are one molded part rather than two separate parts        pivotally connected by locking pin 200.

1. A device to close of a plurality of boxes of different sizes, thedevice comprising: at least two main interconnected longitudinal partshaving a top and opposite bottom surface, said bottom surface having anouter wall at least partially around its longitudinal periphery, saidparts at least having one protrusion depending downwardly from itsbottom surface forming a channel section with said longitudinal outerwall, said parts comprising a means for attaching said parts onto aplurality of different boxes of different sizes, a closure mechanism forconnecting said two main parts together.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein said main parts comprising a means for clamping a bag linerbetween said main parts.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least oneof said main parts having a hinge construction.
 4. The device of claim3, wherein at least one of said main parts can rotate.
 5. The device ofclaim 3, wherein a member can be engaged for rotationallyinterconnecting said two main parts together.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein said protrusion forming a channel section constructed andarranged at a different angle in relation to the hinge construction. 7.The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said longitudinal partscomprising a child friendly figure.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein aprotrusion is depending upwardly from the top surface of at least one ofsaid main parts.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein said protrusioncomprising a round shape.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein at leastone protrusion extends downwardly longer than the outer wall.
 11. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein at least one of said main parts comprising anelastomer material.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid main parts comprising a means for extracting the excess air out ofa bag liner.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein it is distributedtogether with the box.
 14. A box closure system to close of a pluralityof boxes of different sizes, the box closure system comprising: at leasttwo main interconnected side formations constructed and arranged atleast partially in the longitudinal top side of the box, a closuremechanism for connecting said side formations together wherein the shortsides of said box are bended in order to bring said side formationstogether, closing said box whereby the user can connect and disconnectsaid interconnected side formations.
 15. The box closure system of claim14, wherein when one short side of said box is bended a triangular boxtop opening is created.
 16. The box closure system of claim 14, whereinwhen one short side of said box is bended outwardly a triangular pouringmouth is created.
 17. The box closure system of claim 14, wherein atleast one of said main side formations is constructed out of a differentmaterial than the material of the box.
 18. The box closure system ofclaim 14, wherein said short sides of the box are bended inward forclosing said box.
 19. The box closure system of claim 14, wherein atleast one of said main side formations having a hinge construction. 20.A method for closing of a plurality of boxes of different sizescomprising the steps of: (a) providing at least two main interconnectedside formations in the box having a top and opposite bottom surfaceconstructed and arranged at least partially in the longitudinal top sideof the box, bringing said formations together wherein the short sides ofsaid box are bended such that said formations can be brought together.(b) a closure mechanism for connecting said two main formations togetherwhereby when one side of said two main formations is brought togetherand connected a triangular box top opening can be formed and the usercan connect, lock and disconnect said side formations.